Counter-Strike: Global Offensive could get its own international tournament

Dota 2's The International has been immensely popular, with more than $10 million worth of crowdfunded prizes up for grabs. It's no surprise, given Dota 2's Steam domination . So it only makes sense that Valve should consider the same treatment for some of its other properties. Obviously, a Counter-Strike international tournament would not go astray.

Speaking in a video interview with Prodota.ru , Valve's Erik Johnson indicated that the company is giving serious thought to the possibility.

“I don't know if it would be called The International, but the guys working on Counter-Strike made a lot of progress on supporting the professional community around that game,” Johnson said. “We all work at the same company and share a lot of ideas, and given how successful this tournament [The International] has become I don't see any reason why a lot of the same things couldn't be applied directly to Counter-Strike.”

Johnson didn't confirm outright, of course, but it seems a no-brainer that Valve should instate a similar competition for the enduring tactical shooter: it had 9 million players as of April. An impressive number for sure, but nonetheless dwarved by Dota 2's 26 million.

Shaun is PC Gamer’s Australian editor and news writer. He mostly plays platformers and RPGs, and keeps a close eye on anything of particular interest to antipodean audiences. He (rather obsessively) tracks the movements of the Doom modding community, too.